Court Liaison
The Hinds Behavioral Health Services’ Court Liaison assists and advocates for adults living with a mental illness or co-occurring mental health and substance use disorder who are involved with the criminal justice system. The program increases coordination and collaboration between the criminal justice and mental health systems, improves access to mental health services, and enhances continuity of care.
Eligibility
- Adults diagnosed with a mental health, substance use, or co-occurring disorder who have had interactions with law enforcement, the criminal justice system, or the Mississippi State Hospital Forensic Unit
We offer
- Pre-evaluation screenings and coordination with Chancery Courts and families before commitments to proactively connect individuals with community-based services
- Development of diversion, alternative sentencing, and post-release plans that take into account best-fit treatment alternatives and Court stipulations
- On-site outreach to court defendants and individual service needs assessments to inform the Court, and individuals in need, of available treatment options
- Support and assistance to defendants and families in navigating the court system
- Coordination of documents or communication between law enforcement, attorneys, court officials, and other relevant parties
- Access to an Intensive Community Support Specialist and Certified Peer Support Specialist
- Mental health referrals and linkage to support services
Goals
- Reduce involuntary inpatient psychiatric admissions
- Improve access to mental healthcare/treatment
- Decrease the number of days an individual waits in jail for admission to the MS State Hospital Forensic Evaluation Unit
- Decrease an individual’s contact with the criminal justice system, law enforcement, and mental health emergency personnel